Microsoft Surface Preorders Sell Out

$500 a pop

Microsoft executives are likely breathing a sign of relief today. Just one day after opening up pre-orders for Surface RT, the company has sold out of its least expensive 32GB model.

Microsoft's Surface pre-order page now states that the $500 tablet, which does not come with a Touch Cover, will ship "within 3 weeks." The other two Surface RT options, both of which come bundled with a black Touch Cover, still promise an Oct. 26 delivery date.

Given that the Touch Cover is a major selling point of Surface RT, it's a little odd that the model that doesn't ship with one would be first to sell out. It's possible that sales were driven people who want a cover in a color other than black, and are buying both separately. It's also possible that Microsoft intentionally kept supply for the $500 model lower than the higher-end models. It's unclear how many of this specific model Microsoft made available for pre-order. And the company isn't spilling any beans, other than to let us know that more will be available.